We know the video mania of the early '80s prompted many of our favorite rockers to make some ill-advised decisions, but the MTV era also produced some noteworthy triumphs -- including the classic rock cleanup at the network's inaugural Video Music Awards on Sept. 14, 1984.

In addition to the videos up for honors that night, the ceremony was packed to the rafters with rock's finest, including appearances from presenters and interviewees such as Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, John Mellencamp, David Lee Roth, Iggy Pop, the Police and Carly Simon.

The genre was also well represented in the live performance portion of the evening, with songs from Rod Stewart, Huey Lewis and the News, David Bowie, and ZZ Top -- many of whom were in line to take home one of the very first VMA Moon Men.

So how many of your favorite rockers were up for awards that night, and how many walked away with new hardware for their mantels? Take a look at the complete list of nominees below -- winners in italics -- and enjoy the sight of Texas' own ZZ Top taking the stage for a rousing rendition of their VMA-winning "Sharp Dressed Man."

Video of the Year

The Cars, "You Might Think"
Herbie Hancock, "Rockit"
Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
The Police, "Every Breath You Take"

Best Male Video

David Bowie, "China Girl"
Herbie Hancock, "Rockit"
Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
Billy Joel, "Uptown Girl"
Lionel Richie, "All Night Long (All Night)"

Best Group Video

ZZ Top, "Legs"
Huey Lewis and the News, "The Heart of Rock & Roll"
The Police, "Every Breath You Take"
Van Halen, "Jump"
ZZ Top, "Sharp Dressed Man"

Best Concept Video

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit"
The Cars, "You Might Think"
Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
The Rolling Stones, "Undercover of the Night"

Most Experimental Video

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit"
The Cars, "You Might Think"
Thomas Dolby, "Hyperactive!"
The Alan Parsons Project, "Don't Answer Me"
Neil Young, "Wonderin'"

Best Stage Performance in a Video

Van Halen, "Jump"
David Bowie, "Modern Love"
Duran Duran, 'The Reflex"
Bette Midler, "Beast of Burden"
The Pretenders, "Middle of the Road"

Best Overall Performance in a Video

Michael Jackson, "Thriller"
David Bowie, "China Girl"
Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
The Police, "Every Breath You Take"
Van Halen, "Jump"

Best Direction in a Video

ZZ Top, "Sharp Dressed Man" (Director: Tim Newman)
The Bongos, "Numbers With Wings" (Director: Juliano Waldman)
Ian Hunter, "All of the Good Ones Are Taken" (Director: Martin Kahan)
Billy Idol, "Dancing With Myself" (Director: Tobe Hooper)
Cyndi Lauper, "Time After Time" (Director: Edd Griles)
Huey Lewis and the News, "I Want a New Drug" (Director: David Rathod)
The Police, "Every Breath You Take" (Directors: Godley & Creme)
ZZ Top, "Gimme All Your Lovin'" (Director: Tim Newman)

Best Choreography in a Video

Michael Jackson, "Thriller" (Choreographers: Michael Jackson and Michael Peters)
Toni Basil, "Over My Head" (Choreographer: Toni Basil)
Elton John, "I'm Still Standing" (Choreographer: Arlene Phillips)
Bette Midler, "Beast of Burden" (Choreographer: Toni Basil)
Donna Summer, "She Works Hard for the Money" (Choreographer: Arlene Phillips)

Best Special Effects in a Video

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit" (Special Effects: Godley & Creme)
The Cars, "You Might Think" (Special Effects: Charlex)
Thomas Dolby, "Hyperactive!" (Special Effects: David Yardley)
Billy Idol, "Dancing with Myself" (Special Effects: Eric Critchley)
Talking Heads, "Burning Down the House" (Special Effects: David Byrne and Julia Hayward)

Best Art Direction in a Video

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit" (Art Directors: Jim Whiting and Godley & Creme)
The Cars, "You Might Think" (Art Director: Bob Ryzner)
Billy Idol, "Dancing With Myself" (Art Director: Kim Colefax)
The Police, "Every Breath You Take" (Art Directors: Kim Colefax and Godley & Creme)
Queen, "Radio Ga Ga" (Art Director: Bryce Walmsley)

Best Editing in a Video

Herbie Hancock, "Rockit" (Editors: Roo Aiken and Godley & Creme)
Duran Duran, "The Reflex" (Editor: Steven Priest)
Billy Idol, "Eyes Without a Face" (Editor: Kris Trexler)
Elton John, "I'm Still Standing" (Editor: Warren Lynch)
The Police, "Every Breath You Take" (Editors: Roo Aiken and Godley & Creme)
ZZ Top, "Legs" (Editors: Sim Sadler and Bob Sarles)
ZZ Top, "Sharp Dressed Man" (Editor: Sim Sadler)

Best Cinematography in a Video

The Police, "Every Breath You Take" (Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl)
David Bowie, "China Girl" (Director of Photography: John Metcalfe)
Billy Idol, "Eyes Without a Face" (Director of Photography: Tony Mitchell)
Kiss, "All Hell's Breakin' Loose" (Directors of Photography: Tony Mitchell and Jim Crispi)
John Cougar Mellencamp, "Authority Song" (Director of Photography: Daniel Pearl)
Stray Cats, "(She's) Sexy + 17" (Director of Photography: Harry Lake)

Video Vanguard Award

The Beatles
David Bowie
Richard Lester